Yes, Earth rotates faster at the equator than at the poles. This is due to the conservation of angular momentum. The equator, being farther away from the axis of rotation, has a larger circumference compared to the poles. In order to maintain the same angular momentum, Earth must rotate faster at the equator.
The increase in rotational speed at the equator is caused by the centrifugal force resulting from Earth's rotation. Centrifugal force is an apparent force that appears to act outward on a rotating object. It is responsible for pushing objects away from the axis of rotation. In the case of Earth, the centrifugal force pushes matter at the equator slightly outward, causing the equatorial regions to bulge.
The difference in rotational speed between the equator and the poles can be quantified. Earth completes one full rotation in approximately 24 hours, resulting in an average rotational speed of about 1,670 kilometers per hour (1,040 miles per hour) at the equator. At the poles, the rotational speed is effectively zero because the distance traveled along the circumference is minimal.
To calculate the difference in rotational speed, we can compare the circumference of Earth at the equator with the circumference at a specific latitude (such as 45 degrees). The difference in rotational speed between the equator and the 45-degree latitude would be proportional to the difference in their respective circumferences. However, the effect is relatively small due to Earth's large size. The increase in speed from the equator to 45 degrees latitude is approximately 0.47 kilometers per hour (0.29 miles per hour).
While the difference in rotational speed might seem insignificant on a human scale, it has important implications for various phenomena, such as the Coriolis effect, which affects the movement of air masses, ocean currents, and the rotation of hurricanes.